Marine safety light



Oct. 31, 1944. I J. A. RAMSEY MARINE SAFETY LIGHT Filed Aug. 27. 1942 59 50265 T; a 64 5 64 .5. ll eiiffi J mvxsmog- T ll F 15 BY $883M 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 5 A-rrbmver Oct. 31,1944. J. A. RAMSEY 2,361,414

MARINE SAFETY LIGHT Filed Aug. :2'7, 1942 a Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 31, 1944.

J. A. RAMSEY MARINE SAFETY LIGHT Filed Aug. 27, 1942 :s Sheets-Shet s ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 31; 1944 OFFICE MARINE SAFETY LIGHT Jesse A. Ramsey, Wenonah, N. J. Application August 27, 1942, Serial No. 456,304

Claims.-

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in a marine safety light.

More specifically, the invention proposes the construction of a marine safety light character-' ing mechanism that the flashlight may be conveniently moved from an operative vertical position over one shoulder to an inoperative upside down position over the other shoulder merely by pulling on a lanyard used for supporting the flashlight on the body. V

The invention further contemplates the. construction of a safety light as mentioned which is characterized by a vest adapted to be worn under a life preserver or over a life saving suit, a batten mounted on and projecting from said vest above a persons head, and a flashlight of a specific construction adjustably mounted on said batten.

More specifically, it is proposed that the flashlight have a make and break mercury switch which will cause the flashlight to flicker while a person is being tossed about on the waves at sea.

Another object of the invention resides in so constructing the flashlight that it has globe lens at the top through which the light is visible in all side directions.

Still further the invention proposes certain means for mounting the flashlight on the batten so that it may be supported inan upright position or in various pivoted positions, including positions all the way down to an upside down position. Moreover, it is proposed to so construct and arrange the make and break mercury switch that the flashlight will flicker when in the vertical position and in all positions well above the horizontal, that in the horizontal, or substantially horizontal position, the light will be continuous, and in the upside down position the flashlight will not be lit.

The invention contemplates so constructing the supporting means for the flashlight that a wearer floating on the sea may easily adjust the flashlight to its various positions so as to give out the signals desired.

The invention contemplates a particularly simple construction of the vest so that a person-may quickly don the same, as required.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth. 4

In the accompanying drawings'forming a material part of this 'disclosure Fig. 1 is a view of a person provided with a marine safely light constructed in accordance with this invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional View of the flashlight, per se.

Fig. 3 is a plan view-oi Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a, perspective view of the conductor strip, per se.

Fig. 5' is an elevational view of the flashlight body in its upside down inoperative position.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a wall clip used for supporting the flashlight in an inoperative upside down position.

Fig. 7 is an elevational view of the globe lens of the flashlight, per se.

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional cap, per se.-

Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view of the lamp holder, per se.

Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view of the insulation bushing, per se.

Fig. 11 is an elevational view of mercury switch, per se. I

Fig. 12 is a vertical sectional view of the switch shown in Fig. 11. v

Fig. 13 is a view of a person provided with a marine safety light constructed in accordance with a modified form of this invention.

-Fig. 14 is an elevational view of the marine safety light illustrated in Fig. 13 but shown in an upside down condition.

Fig. 15 is a bottom view of Fig. 14.

view of the top end the make break Fig. 16 is avertical sectional view taken on" 7 the line I6l6 of Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is an illustration of a person floating at sea on alifejoreserver and equipped with a marine safety lamp constructed in accordance with another modification of this invention.

Fig. 18 is a developed view of the vest, per se. Fig. 19 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line Iii-l9 of Fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is an elevational view of the topportion of the batten with the flashlight mountedthereon atits other. end. contact with a shell-51 housed within the insulahas its bottom end and schematically illustrating several positions of the flashlight.

Fig. 21 is a side elevational view of Fig. 20.

The marine safety light, according to this invention, includes a flashlight 2| which comprises a flashlight casing 40 having a closed bottom end and arranged to receive a battery cell 4|. An expansion spring 42 operates between the bottom end of the cell 4| and the closed bottom end of the casing" 40; The casing 40 is construct ed of non-conducting plastic material and is formed at a point intermediate of its ends with spaced ribs 42 between which a metallic ring 43 is rotatively supported. Opposite sides of. the ring? 43 are provided with tubular extensions 44 within which metallic loops 45 are mounted. The bottom end of the casing 40 pivotally supports aloop 46. A lanyard 41 is provided at its end with spring clips 48and 49. These spring clips are so arranged that one is adapted to be: engaged with the loop 46 while the other is selectively engaged with one ofthe loops 45. This connects the ends of the lanyard 41 with the flashlight casing 40, permitting the lanyardto'beengaged about ones neck to'support the flashlight 2i in an opera tive. position over the wearers left shoulder (see Fig. 1)-.

The lanyard further carries a ring U-to which one end of a length of rope 5| isadapted to be engaged. The opposite end of the rope 5| is adapted to be passed around ones waist and knotted in'position, as shown in Fig. 1', for holding the ring 5flipermitting the lanyard 41 to slide through the ring as the flashlight 2! is moved from anoperative position over the left shoulder to an inoperative position over the right shoulder-,as will be hereinafter described;

The top endof the casing 40 is closed-bymeans of a cap 52 also constructed of non-conducting plastic material and having its bottom portion threadedlyengaging the top end of the casing 40. A gasket 53.-is disposedv between the contacting facesof thecasing 40 and the cap 52 for forming a waterproof joint.

A metallic lamp holder 54 extends through a central opening 55 formed in the cap 5-2-andis formed with a bottom flange 56 which; extend along the bottom face of the: cap 52. The top endof the lamp holder 54' threadedlysupports a lamp 5'! of conventional construction and makes an electrical contact with theshell contact 58 of the lamp 5T. 7

An insulation bushing 59 is extendedzinto the lamp holder 54 and has its top end disposed at a point adjacent the bottom of-the-lamp 51. A mercury switch 69 is mounted within the bottom end of. the insulation bushing- 59- and: contacts the centralend contact 61- onthe top; end ofthebattery cells. 44. A spring 62 is' also mounted within-the insulation bushing 59 and contacts the topof the mercury; switch 59' and the-end contacts 63 of the lamp 51 The mercury switch- Sfl is' of the make break variety and includes; atubular: insulation member 64 supporting a cap The cap 65 makes an' electrical tion member 64 l and which terminating a short-distance from the cap 66. A small mass ofmercury 68 is contained within the switch 60 and is arranged toclose an electric circuit through 68 contacts the shell-Gland thecap-fifi, as shown in- Fig. 12. The mercury mass 68 is of a relatively small size so that when the flashlight bobs 65 at oneend-and-a cap 66:

the switchwhenever the mercury around the mass of mercury will move about within the switch and make and break the electric circuit to cause the lamp to flicker. However, when the switch 50 is in any angular position ranging between the vertical and the substantially horizontal with the lamp directed upwards, the mass of mercury will maintain a relatively stationary position and will continuously maintain the circuit through the switch, causing the lamp to be continuously lit.

A conductor strip 69 is provided for completing the electric circuit and comprises a metallic member 10 extending along the sides of the battery cell 4| and which is provided with longitudinally spaced clips H for gripping the sides of the cell 4|. One end of the metallic strip 10 is formed with an offset portion 12 which extends along the bottom end of the cell- 4! and which is urged to continuously make electric contact with the cell by the spring 42. The opposite end of the metallic strip 10 is formed with an offset end 13 which is arranged to engage the flange 56 of the lamp support 54 to complete the circuit through I the shell contact 58 of the lamp 51'.

tacting edges of the globe lens 14 and the cap 52 for forming a waterproof joint.

Right angle wire guards extend over the globe lens 14 and have their ends extended into openings 11 formed in the sides of the cap 52. The wire guards 16' act to protect the glass globe lens-from being broken.

In Fig. 6 a wall clip 18 is shown for support ing the flashlight in an inoperative upside down or an operative vertical position. This bracket houses a strip of material 19 adapted to be at tached to a wall and provided at its bottom end with a forwardly extending flange 80. Spaced spring clips 8| are mounted on the strip 19 and are arranged to encircle the casing of the flashlight 2!. In Fig. 6 the flashlight 2i is illustrated supported upon the wall bracket in an inoperative upside down positionv by the dot and dash lines 2l.

However, it is possible to reverse the position of the flashlight 2i permitting it to assume an operative position in which the mercury switch 60 will be closed, causing the lamp n 51- to be illuminated.

The-operation of the device is as follows:

To use-the flashlight 2.! as a safety light the wearer attaches the clips 48 and 49 of the lanyard 4! to the members and 46. The lanyard 41 is; then engaged about the wearers neck. with thering located to the front of the wearer. The free end of the rope 5% is then passedrabout the wearers waist. and knotted. in position to retain the ring 50 in position between the lan- .yard 41 and. the rope 5.1. In. this position. the lanyard 41. is free to be slipped through the ring,

permitting. the flashlight 2.! to assume the operative position .over the wearers left shoulder, asshown in Fig. 1. However, to extinguish the .flashlightll it is merely necessary to pull on the lanyard 41, causing the flashlight to pass around the back of the wearers neck to assume an. inoperative upside down. position over the wearers right shoulder. Thislatter position is to the inoperative position will be clearly understood.

The marine safety light, in accordance to the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1346 inclusive, includes a flashlight 2W which has a casing 40 adapted to receive the battery cells M. An end portion of the casing 453 is provided, on opposite sides. with tubular extensions 14 sup porting metallic loops 25. The remote end of the casing 40 pivotally supports .a loop d5. A lanyard '41 has spring clips '48 and 49 at its ends. These spring c ips are so arranged that one is engaged with the loop d6 While the other is engaged with the loop d5.v Thus the lanyard 4'! may be engaged about ones neck, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 13, so as to support the flashlight 2i across the wearers left shoulder.

.The lanyard -41 carries a ring -50 adapted to engage one button of a jacket of a user of the marine safety light, as clearly shown in Fig. 13. With this arrangementthe lanyard 41 may be shifted so that the marine safety light extends first across the back of the wearers shoulder and then across'the right hand shoulder. It is then in a downwardly tilted inoperative position similar to the arrangement described relative to Fig. 1.

:The top of the casing Mi is closed by means.

of a cap 52*. A gasket 53 is disposed between the contacting faces of the casing 60* and the cap .52 for forming a waterproof joint. A metallic lamp holder Ed extends through a central opening .formed in the cap 52 and is formed with .a bottom flange 56 which extends along the bottom face of the cap 52 The top end of the lamp holder 54* threadedly supports the lamp 57. -An insulation bushing 59 is extended into the lamp holder 54 and has its top end disposed to a point adjacent the bottom of the lamp'57. A mercury switch 63 is mounted within the insulation bushing 59* and contacts the central end contact GI on the topof the battery cells 44, and the central contact of said lamp 57. The mercury switch 60 is of the make and break variety previously described in detail.

A conductor strip is provided .fOr completing the electric circuit from the cam contact of the battery cell 4! to the lamp holder 54 This conductor strip is provided with the spaced clips H for gripping the sides of the cell 4!. It is provided with an offset end E3 contacting, the lamp holder M A globe lens M is threadedly engaged into the top of the cap 52 and surrounds the top end of the lamp 511. A gasket 15 is disposed between the contacting edges of the globe lens l4 and the cap'52 forming a waterproof joint. The cap 52* has lugs upon which a wire guard 16 is mounted which extends over the globe lens M In other respects this form of the invention is iden tical in construction and operation to the previous form.

The marine safety light, according to the form of the invention shown in Figs. 17to 21 includes a vest 15 adapted to be worn under a life preserver l6 or over a life saving suit, the latter not being illustrated on the drawings. The vest I has a vertical pocket I! on its back portion. A batten i8 is supported in and projects from the pocket H to a point above the head of a person wearing the life saver or life saving suit (as illustrated in Fig. 17). A swivel joint i9 is located on the top portion of the batten IS. A flashlight 2'! is supported by the light holder 20, as hereinafter more fully described. The

construction is such that the flashlight .2l'v may be placed in a horizontalposition, as illustrated by the full lines in Fig. 20, or in the vertical positions illustrated by the dot and dash lines 2|". The flashlight 2| is of a construction to'be waterproof, that is, not to be efiected if submerged. It is also of a construction so as'to flicker when in the upward vertical position 2l",- and to be continuously lit when in the horizontal position, and to be completely out when in the upside down vertical position 21, similarto flashlight 2! previously described, which as already known has a mercury make and break switch.

The vest I5 is preferably made from canvas. It is provided with a back piece 23 preferably of double layer material sewed together by stitches 24 along its edges and by the stitches 25 which are extended inwards from the top to form the pocket I'l. The back piece 23 is provided with straps 26 attached to its bottom corners. These straps may incircle ones body to form the waist strap of the vest. A pair of diagonal straps 21 are attached to the top corners of the back piece 23 and are adapted to extend over the shoulders of a wearer to the front. These straps 21 are connected with-each other and with a main central strap 28 which extends downwards and is adapted to be attached or to be tied to the straps 25. It should be noted that the vest is of exceptionally simple construction and is well suited for the purpose intended. However, the vest could be made more elaborate with sleeve openings and other features, if this is desired.

The batten i8 is in the nature of a strip of wood, preferably 4" thick, 1 wide, and some 20" high. This height is suff cient for the batten to project above the head of a person provided with said marine safety light. The batten I8 is held from accidentally comingout of the pocket H by a fastener 29 engaged through the layers forming the pocket I! and through an aperture 30 formed in the batten.

The. swivel joint l9 comprises a bracket 3| which is secured on the top of the batten l8 by rivets 32.

This bracket 3| has a forked upper end between the finger of which 2. lug 33 from th light holder 20 extends. A wing nut clamp screw 34 extends through the fingers of the bracket 3| and through the lug 33 for swivelly connecting these parts. The wing nut may be loosenedand then-the light holder may be swung upwards and downwards. The wing nut 34 may be tightened to clamp the light holder 20 in a selected fixed position.

The-light holder 2! comprising encircling strips 35 adapted to engage around the center of the flashlight 24. At one side the strips 35 have the lugs .33. At the other side, they are provided with a 'pair of parallel end. portions 36 through which a wing nut clamp screw 31 passes. The wing nut clamp screw 3? may be tightened to cause the strips 135 to tightly clamp and hold the flashlight 2!. It is onlyenecessary to loosen the wing nut and screw 34 to pivot-the swivel joint 19 to selected positions, as indicated in Fig. 20. The

wing nut and screw 3'! is not disturbed after the flashlight is mounted in position. The operation of the device is :as follows:

During an emergency when one must don a life preserver or life saving suit and take to the water, the vest i5 is also donned. The vest;supports the batten 18 which in turn indirectly adjustably supports the flashlight 2!. The wing nut andscrewtfi is loosened and the flashlight 2| is .moved to a position .in which .it .is upside down. The wing nutand screw 34 is then tightened. When the wearer wishes to attract the atte'ntion of a rescue party he reaches up and loosens the wing nut and screw 34 and pivots the light holder 20 to a position in which the flashlight 2i is vertical. The'lamp of the flashlight will now flashbecause the circuit through the lamp will be periodically made and broken by the mak and break mercury switch thereof. If a steady light is desired the wing nut 34 is again loosened and the flashlight is placed in a substantially horizontal position in which the mercury switch will maintain constant contact.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments'of my invention, it is to be understood that I'do not limit myself to the precise constructions therein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States LettersPatent is:

l. A marine safety light, comprising a vest adapted to be worn under a life preserver or over a life saving suit, a vertical pocket on the back of said vest, a batten supported in and projecting from said'pocket to a point above the head of a person wearing said life preserver or life saving suit, a swivel joint on the top portion of said batten, a flashlight holder supported by said swivel joint, and a flashlight comprising a flashlight casing for battery cells supported at its center by said flashlight holder, a globe lens on the top' of said casing, waterproof means for connecting said lens and casing, a lamp holder in the top of said casing for supporting lamp in said lens, a gravity actuated make and break mercury switch within said lamp holder and insulated from the lamp holder and engagealble with the end contact of said lamp, waterproof means sealing the bottom end of said casing, battery cells within said casing and having one of their terminals connecting with said switch, and a circuit of electricity from said cells connecting said lamp and switch in series, and said switch being adapted to make and break said circuit when said safety light is substantially vertical and bobs around, and to break saidcircuit when said safety light is substantially upside down.

2. -A marine safety light, comprising a vest adapted to be worn under a life preserver or over a life saving suit, a vertical pocket on the back of said vest, a batten supported in and projecting from said pocket to a point above the, head of a person wearing said life preserver or life saving suit, a'swivel joint on the top portion of said batten, a flashlight holder supported by said swivel joint, and a flashlight comprising a flashlight casing for battery cells supported at its center by said flashlight holder, a globe lens on the top of said casing, waterproof means for connecting said lens and casing, a lamp holder in the top of said'casing for supporting a lamp in 'said lens, a gravity actuated make and break mercury switch within said lamp holder and insulated from the lamp holder and engageable with the end contact orsaid lamp, waterproof means sealing the bottom end of said casing, battery cells within said casing and having one of their terminals connecting with said switch, and a circuit of electricity from said cells connecting said lamp and switch in series, and said switch being adapted to make and break said circuit when said safety light is substantially vertical and bobs around, and to break said circuit when said safety light is substantially upside down, and to continuously make said circuit when said safety light is horizontal and bobs around.

3. A marine safety light, comprising a vest adapted to be worn under a life preserver or over a life saving suit, a vertical pocket on the back of said vest, a batten supportedin and projecting from'said pocket to a point above the head of a person wearing said life preserver or life saving suit, a swivel joint on the top portion of said batten, a flashlight holder supported by said swivel joint, and a flashlight comprising a flashlight casing for battery cells supported at its center by said flashlight holder, a globe lens on the top of said casing, waterproof means for connecting said lens and casing, a lamp holder in the top of saidicasing for supporting a lamp in said lens, a gravity actuated make and break mercury switch within said lamp holder and insulated from the lamp holder and engageable with the end contact or said lamp, waterproof means sealing the bottom end of said casing, battery cells within 'said casing and having one of their terminals connecting with said switch, and a circuit of electricity from said cells connecting said lamp and switch in series, and said switch being adapted to make and break said circuit when said safety light is substantially vertical and bobs around, and to break said circuit when said safety light is substantially upside down, said vest being of canvas.

4. A marine safety light, comprising a vest adapted to be worn under a life preserver or over a life saving suit, a vertical pocket on the back of said vest, a batten supported in and projectin from said pocket to a point above the head of a person wearing said life preserver or life saving suit, a swivel joint on the top portion of said batten, aflashlight holder supported by said swivel joint, and a flashlight comprising a flashlight casing for battery cells supported at its center by said flashlight holder, a globe lens on the top of said casing, water proof means for connecting said lens and casing, a lamp holder in the top of said casing for supporting a lamp in said lens, a gravity actuated make and break mercury switch within said lamp holder and insulated from the lamp holder and engageable with the end contact or said lamp, waterproof means sealing the bottom end of said casing, battery cells within said casing and having one of their terminals connecting with ,said switch, and a circuit of electricity from said cells connecting said lamp and switch in series, and said switch being adapted to make and break said circuit when said safety light is substantially vertical and bobs around, and to break said circuit when said safety light is substantially upside down, said vest comprising a back member formed with said vertical pocket and being provided with straps by which it may be secured in position.

5. A marine safety light, comprising a vest adapted to be worn under a life preserver or over a life savingsuit, a vertical pocket on the back of said vest, a batten supported in and projecting from said pocket to a point above the head of a person wearing said life preserver or life saving suit, a swivel joint on the top portion of said batten, aflashlight holder supported by said swivel joint, and a flashlight comprising a flashlight casing for battery cells supported at its center by said flashlight holder, a globe lens on the top of said casing, waterproof means for connecting said lens and casing, a lamp holder in the top of said casing for supporting a lamp in said lens, a gravity actuated make and break mercury switch within said lamp holder and insulated from the lamp holder and engageable with the end contact of said lamp, waterproof means sealing the bottom end of said casing, battery cells within said casing and having one of their terminals connecting with said switch, and -a circuit of electricity fromsaid cells connesting-said lamp and switch in series, and said switch being adapted to make and break said circuit when said safety light is substantially vertical and bobs around, to break said circuit when said safety light is substantially upside down, and a fastener for holding said batten con nected with said vest.

6. A marine safety light, comprising a vest adapted to be worn under a life preserver or over a life savin suit, a vertical pocket on the back of said vest, a batten supported in and projecting from said pocket to a point above the head of a person wearing said life preserver or life saving suit, a swivel joint on the top portion of said batten,.a flashlight holder supported by said swivel joint, and a flashlight comprising a flashlight casing for battery cells supported at its center by said flashlight holder, a globe lens on thetop of said casing, waterproof means for connecting said lens and casing, a lamp holder in the top of said casing for supporting a lamp in said lens, a gravity actuated make and break mercury switch within said lamp holder and insulated from the lamp holder and engageable with the end contact or said lamp, waterproof means sealing the bottom end of said casing, battery cells within said casing and having one of their terminals connecting with said switch, and a circuit of electricity from said cells connecting said lamp and switch in series, and said switch being adapted to make and break said circuit when said safety light is substantially vertical and bobs around, and to break said circuit when said safety light is substantially upside down, said swivel joint comprising a bracket attached on said batten and having a pair of parallel fingers, a lug from said flashlight holder engaging between said fingers, and a clamp screw engaged through said fingers and lug.

'7. A marine safety light, comprising a vest adapted to be worn under a life preserver or over a life saving suit, a vertical pocket on the back of said vest, a batten supported in and projecting from said pocket to a point above the head of a person wearing said life preserver or life saving suit, a swivel joint on the top portion of said batten, a flashlight holder supported by said swivel joint, and a flashlight comprising a flashlight casing for battery cells supported at its center by said flashlight holder, a globe lens on the top of said casing,.waterproof means for connecting said lens and easing, a lamp holder in the top of said casing for supporting a lamp in said lens, a gravity actuated make and break mercury switch within said lamp holder and insulated from the lamp holder and engageable with the end contact of said lamp, waterproof means sealing the bottom end of said casing, battery cells within said casing and having one of their terminals connecting with said switch, and .a circuit of electricity from said cells connecting said lamp and switch in series, and said switch being adapted tomake and break said circuit when said safety light is substantially vertical and bobs around, and to :break said .cirlcuit' when said safety light'is substantially upside down, lsaid waterproof means comprising gaskets clamped between'certain parts.

r 8. A. marine safety light, comprising a vest adaptedzto be .worn'undera life preserver 'orover a lifesaving suit, a vertical .pocket on the back xofzsaid vest, a Ibatten supported in: and project- .ing from ,said pocket to a :point above the .head

10f a .person jwearing :said life preserver :or life saving suit, a swivel joint on the top portion of said batten, a flashlight holder supported by said swivel joint, and a flashlight comprising a flashlight casing for battery cells supported and at its center by said flashlight holder, a globe lens on the top of said casing, waterproof means for connecting said lens and casing, a lamp holder in the top of said casing for supporting a lamp in said lens, a gravity actuated make and break mercury switch within said lamp holder and insulated from the lamp holder and engageable with the end contact of said lamp, waterproof means sealing the bottom end of said casing, battery cells within said casing and having one of their terminals connecting with said switch, and a circuit of electricity from said cells connecting said lamp and switch in series, and said switch being adapted to make and break said circuit when said safety light is substantially vertical and bobs around, to break said circuit when said safety light is substantially upside down and a wire guard for saidglobe lens.

9. A marine safety light, comprising a vest adapted to be worn under a life preserver or over a life saving suit, a vertical pocket on the back of said vest, a batten supported in and projecting from said pocket to a point above the head of a person wearing said life preserver or life saving suit, a swivel joint on the top portion of said batten, a flashlight holder supported by said swivel joint, and a flashlight comprising a flashlight casing for battery cells supported at its center by said flashlight holder, a globe lens on the top of said casing, waterproof means for connecting said lens and casing, alamp holder in the top of said casing for supporting a lamp in said lens, a gravity actuated make and break mercury switch within said lamp holder and insulated from the lamp holder and engageable with the end contact of said lamp, waterproof means sealing the bottom end of said casing, battery cells within said casing and having one of their terminals connecting with said switch, and a circuit of electricity from said cells connecting said lamp and switch in series, and said switch being adapted to make and break said circuit when said safety light is substantially.

vertical and bobs around, and to break said circuit when said safety light is substantially upside down, said flashlight holder, co'rnprising a strip having a pair of parallel ends, and awing nut and screw engaged through said ends for clamping said strip in position.

10. A marine safety light; comprising a vest adapted to be worn under a life preserver or over a life saving suit, a vertical pocket on the back of said vest, a batten supported in 'and projecting from said pocket to a point above the head of a person wearing said life preserver or -life saving suit, a swivel joint on the top portion of said batten, a flashlight holder supported by said swivel joint, and a flashlight comprising a flashlight casing for battery cells supported at its center by said flashlight holder, a globe lens on'ithe top of said casing, waterproof means for connecting said lens and easing, a lamp holder in the top of said casing for supporting a lamp in said lens, a gravity actuated make and break mercury switch within said lamp holder and insulated from the lamp holder engageable with the end contact of said lamp, waterproof means sealing the bottom end of said casing, battery cells within said casing and having one of their terminals connecting withsaid switch, and a circuit of electricity from said; cells connecting said lamp and switch in series, and said switch being adapted to make and break said circuit when said safety light is substantially vertical and bobs around, and to break said circuit when said safety light is substantially upside down, said make and break mercury switch comprising an insulation tube having end caps, a shell within said tube contacting one end cap and spaced from the other, and a mass of mercury within saidshell and in certain positions electrically connecting said shell and one of said end caps.

JESSE A. RAMSEY. 

